In a match that had everything from early drama to late tempers, River Plate defeated Racing Club 1-0 on Wednesday night to advance to the Copa Argentina semifinals. The game, played at Rosario's Gigante de Arroyito stadium, saw Maximiliano Salas score the decisive goal just minutes into the first half, capitalizing on a swift counterattack that left Racing's defense exposed.
River, under pressure to deliver after a mixed league campaign, controlled much of the possession early on. Salas' strike came in the 12th minute, a clinical finish from a Colidio cross that silenced the vocal Racing supporters who traveled from Buenos Aires. Indeed, the Millonarios looked comfortable, but Racing pushed back hard, creating chances that tested goalkeeper Franco Armani. However, the Academy couldn't find the equalizer, despite a barrage of shots in the second half.
The tension boiled over in stoppage time, with Racing's Marcos Acuña receiving a red card after a second yellow for a reckless challenge. Flares and chants filled the air, underscoring the fierce rivalry between these Buenos Aires giants. River's victory wasn't pretty—far from it, with several heated exchanges disrupting the flow—but it gets them through to face Independiente Rivadavia in the next round. For Racing, the loss stings, especially after their promising start to the season.
Marcelo Gallardo's side now eyes a deeper run in the tournament, but questions linger about their consistency. Salas, the 22-year-old forward, emerged as the hero, his goal marking his third of the competition. Yet, the match highlighted defensive frailties on both ends, with River conceding more shots than ideal. Moreover, the referee's decisions drew murmurs from the benches, adding to the night's edginess.
As River marches on, one wonders if this gritty win signals a turning point or just another bumpy ride in Argentine football's unpredictable landscape.